Pet Urine Odor Removal

Pet urine leaves behind not just a visible stain but an offensive odor. A combination of smart cleaning strategies and neutralizing chemicals can remove the smell.

Urine Odor

Urine odor occurs when bacteria in the urine degrade. Cats’ urine leaves a particularly strong odor because cats drink relatively little water that would otherwise dilute their urine.

Preparation

Before any odor-neutralizing system can work, the affected surface must receive thorough cleaning, according to the Humane Society of the United States. A wet vacuum uses water pressure to extract dried urine.

Neutralizers

Pet supply shops sell odor neutralizers specially formulated to remove urine odor. These neutralizers use enzymes to break down the bacteria in urine, according to Lapcat.co.uk.

Washables

Baking soda can help remove urine odor from washable items. If this strategy fails, rewashing with an enzymatic cleaner can break down the remaining odor-causing components.

What Not to Do

Steam-cleaning a urine stain can actually make the odor permanent by bonding the carpet fibers to the urine’s proteins. The smell of ammonia-based cleaners can encourage the pet to re-mark its territory with more urine.

References

• Human Society of the United States: Removing Pet Stains and Odors
• Lapcat.co.uk: Enzyme Cleaners: The Only Effective Cat Urine Odor Eliminator